Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1887-04-05

> from, the windows OF thepassiag trains
That MIGHT. after, school, rs Bob Mer
RITZ and his little coiis n Frank who
was making him visit. We're going
home. thcv met bob's little sister, who
said chat Bob must go back to the vii
laee as fast rs possible, and get some
medicine for his father. who WAS very
sick
Little Frank begged to 60 along. So
both bows started back ut once, for il
was mile and half 10 the village,
and it was already getting dark.
They went as fast as they could, in
the face of the driving wind and snow
and reached the one store which served
us dry goods grocery and drug store.
all in one.
Having got the medicine. they were
about to start for home, when the store
| keeper. who knew how far they had to
| go. kindly offered them lantern. say
ing that it would make the way seem
| shorter.
The boys thanked him, and were soon
on their way, which was not so bad
now, as the wind was at their backs.
When they had nearly reached the
| school-house. they heard heavy crash.
| Its a tree blown down, probably, ;"
said Bob.
''Oh. dear! | hope 1t hasn't hit the
snow MANI cried Frank.
Bob laughed, and they hurried for
ward.
Shouldn't wonder if it was Old
Deadwood ;" said he. 'lt's wonder
he hasn't blown down long ago"
IF it is him. replied the smaller
ho.s al. fa,. t,, H.; 4
man that's one comfort
Running across the play ground,
they saw II great dark mass. clearly out
lined against the snow, and sure
enough it was "Oid Deadwood." with
his great lifelcss body stretched help
lesslv across the track.
We'll" said Frank, 1.-THE snow
mars all right. Let's go. I'm cold
and hungry, and uncle needs his mcdi-
cine
'0h. know lt!' cried Bob, in such
n strange tone shat his cousin looked
up in surprise. ''But have you forgot
ten the express, Frank? 1t will be due
in an hour. and l must warn them in
some way. or they will all be killed!
OH. dear! oh, dear!' he cried again, Us
the terrible thought presented itself
more wildly to the mind. 'what shall
| do2 what can / dop dare not wait
for father may be very bad; and dare
not send YOU on alone, nor leave you
here alonen'
why. | know" cried Frank you
can fasten The lantern on the snow
mans arm, and they'll be sure to see
1t. it's so near the track.
"Yes," said Bob, IL thought of that.
But do YOU suppose his arms are stiff
enonghP'
They are real strong. | know, for |
saw the stick ALI put through to build
them on, said Frank, confidently.
"Well, can try, any way, said Bob.
as he proceeded to tic the lantern firmly
on to the stil, white ARA, which seemed
strong and firm.
just see how it swings in the wind,
for all the world as If some one was
really making signals!' cried Frank.
YES. said Bob; 1T seems us if
they'd have to see that. But do hate
to go awfully, only there's father; and
now we must hurry with all our might.
and | VIII come back as fast as ever
can; and if the train should be late,
NAV be | can get back in time to warn
them myself.
They started or on run; but they
could not keep it up long in the deep
snow. especially little Frank. and poor
Bob grew more excited and impatient
every minute.
Every rod seemed mile. and faint
whistle from il distant station. though
Ia IN opposite direction, made his heart
beat Ike y trip-hammcr.
II was nearly half an hour before
they reached home Bob found his
father suffering terribly, and had tho
sal .ahioh of knowing that the medi-
- gave him almost immediate relief.
lie then told his mother about the
fallen tree, the snowman and the Ian
tern, and fortifying himself with
huge slice OF bread and butter, VIII ell
his mother put into his hand as he
started. he hurried back to the school
house. fearing lest some accident
might have befallen the snow man. and
hoping the train might be u few min
utes late, SO that he might get there in
time to warn them.
But long before lie got near enough
to do any good. he heard the rush of
the coming train, and his heart almost
stopped beating rs he stood still to
listen.
Would thoy see the lantern. and
heed lip or would they rush on to de-
structionp
On and on; Bob was nearly frantic
nearer and nearer-aud now he knew
b. the sound they must have reach the
curve which first brought tho school
house in sight.
Then came the sharp whistle for
down brakes and Bob knew that
the snowman was still on duty-that
his signal had been seen, and that they
We're slowing up in safety.
Now he ran with all his might, and
great delight and thankfulucss at the
success of his plan gave wings to his
feet, SO that he almost flew in the face
of the wind and snow, and a few min
utes more brought him 10 the spot
where the painting, kissing engine
stood, and where he heard the puzzled
engineer telling the equally puzzled
conductor and passengers that the in
slant he rounded the curve he saw the
lantern and whstled for the brakes;
and when he got of TO see what was
the matter, the first thing that met his
eyes was the fallen tree, lying across
the track, and when he called out To
the man with the lantern, he received
nc reply.
Il called to him several times; but as
he did not sneak or stir. | beean tn